Thursday, December 25, 2008

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:1 - 14 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Hodie Christus natus est

Hodie Christus natus est:
hodie Salvator apparuit:
hodie in terra canunt Angeli,
lætantur Archangeli:
hodie exsultant justi, dicentes:
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
et in terra pax hominibus bonæ voluntatis:
Alleluia.

Christmas Eve

'O come, O come, Emmanuel (Veni, veni, emmanuel)'

Monday, December 22, 2008

An Introduction to Priests for Life

Fr. Frank Pavone, of Priests for Life, was in Harrisburg for a Pro-life Mass at the Cathedral in October. For many years, I have admired his work with this pro-life organization. Some of my children and I were privileged to meet him and pray to end abortion with him at the nearby Abortion Clinic.

Be inspired as you catch the vision of Priests for Life to end abortion and build the Culture of Life through the Church.


Saturday, December 20, 2008

More on Advent - Key of David

A friend of mine pointed me to a really great website by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf called What Does the Prayer Really Say? Today's post tells about the Key of David and sheds light on what is often a stumbling block to Protestants in considering Catholicism, that of Jesus giving Peter the keys to the kingdom. Read it here.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Gregorian Chant

"Conversion is like stepping across the chimney piece out of a Looking-Glass world, where everything is an absurd caricature, into the real world God made: and then begins the delicious process of exploring it limitlessly."
- Evelyn Waugh

One of the things I am exploring is Gregorian Chant. As a music major in college, I learned about this beautiful music in Music History class. And had not thought much about it since then. Listen to this exquisite music. I am wondering how Christians got from this to worship and praise music . . .


My New Church